Giving cats medicine

Deilla · Feb 17, 2020 at 10:18 AM

It's that time to give my cats their topical. I did my female cat already. She's easy. All I do is pick her up and apply the medication. My male cat is difficult. He won't let me pick him up. He takes off running when he sees me, especially if I have something in my hand. I will have to surprise him. Maybe wait until he his sleeping. I hate to do that but I don't know what else to do. If I did manage to pick him up, he won't hold still. I have thought about going to the vet's office so that they can apply it. They seem to do better with him.

Do you have trouble giving your cat meds? If so, what do you do? Thanks for any suggestions.

Nammu · Feb 17, 2020 at 02:20 PM

Never had to give a cat a topical med. I've nebulized hundreds of cats and some hated the box but most did alright. I've given meds in liquid form with a syringe most of them I'd wrap in a towl and hold them just so and put the liquid in the side of the mouth. That was harder but most were pretty sick as I volunteered in the intensive ward at the shelter. But topicalls, nope. I can't imagine they'd be too happy with that.

Deilla · Feb 18, 2020 at 03:11 AM

I used to be able to wrap my male cat in a towel, but now he's so big I can't manage it. But that wouldn't help with the topical. It goes on the area below the back of the neck right above the shoulder blades. I decided I would wait one more day to give my male cat his meds. He's sleeping in the bed now. It will be hard to give him medicine there. He would suspect me approaching him. But if he's on the sofa in the living room, it will be much easier. He won't think twice about me going next to him. He will just think I'm busy lol! So maybe today it might work. I sure hope so. Thanks for the reply.

lizardlady · Feb 18, 2020 at 07:01 AM

Do your cats join you in the bathroom? I closed the door after the ugh come in and round them up one at a time to dose them.

Deilla · Feb 19, 2020 at 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizardlady

Do your cats join you in the bathroom? I closed the door after the ugh come in and round them up one at a time to dose them.

Yes, the cats like to go in the bathroom with me. That's a good idea. They can't get very far. I'll have to try that.

Deilla · Feb 19, 2020 at 05:40 AM

I tried to give him his medicine while he was sleeping. He jumped up right away. I then tried to get him in the bathroom. He doesn't trust me now. I will try to get him in his carrier and see if I can administer it that way. If that doesn't work, I will take him to the vet. I'm partly angry. But I don't want this to ruin my day. So I will use that anger to motivate me to succeed. I'll try not to hold on to the anger. It just makes matters worse. Hopefully, I will find a way to do this.

Deilla · Feb 19, 2020 at 06:00 AM

He goes to the vet in two weeks. I may ask the vet then to give him his medicine. If he waits two weeks, it should be fine. It's winter and the risk of fleas and heart worm is low. Plus, his last dose should still be active to some degree. I don't know what else I can do. This is just too stressful.

AzulOscuro · Feb 25, 2020 at 12:05 PM

What about giving it to him by playing? Is the med given with a syringe? or is it a pill?
It would be also a good idea to consider what your male kitty enjoy more doing so you can use this activity as a reinforcement or before giving him the med in case what he enjoy is exercise or playing.

Deilla · Feb 26, 2020 at 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzulOscuro

What about giving it to him by playing? Is the med given with a syringe? or is it a pill?
It would be also a good idea to consider what your male kitty enjoy more doing so you can use this activity as a reinforcement or before giving him the med in case what he enjoy is exercise or playing.

He likes when I groom him and when I pet him in my lap. I suppose I could try to medicate him then. That's a good idea.

What I ended up doing was taking him to my vet. They applied the medicine while he was in his carrier. They said next time that might be an option. Just apply from the top of the carrier.

I wish I could turn it into a positive situation for him. Maybe next time. But I don't have to worry about it for 3 more months.

AzulOscuro · Feb 27, 2020 at 03:45 AM

It’s not easy that something your kitty sees as a threaten turns into something positive.
I gave you an idea but I don’t still have many experience with kitties.
The kitty I rescued was a little kitty and he took a pill so it was not many different than giving my doggies their meds. I open their mouths and that’s it. Do it as fast as I can and then I praise them.
I understand with an adult cat is different. But your kitty sounds very docile. He loves being groomed. So, I wouldn’t worry because it had to spend a couple of bad seconds for his own well-being.

Anyway, I assure you that then your kitty gets tired doing his favourite activity: Hunting(playing), accomplishing a track, etc. He will be so tired than it will be a less bitter swallow. lol!
Luck next time!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Menu

My Support Forums - Mental Health Support Groups

Get emotional support and friendship from others like you!

Giving cats medicine

My Support Forums

lizardlady Legendary Member Since Nov 2002 Location: Mid World Posts: 17,483 (SuperPoster!) 21 7,513 hugs given	Feb 18, 2020 at 07:01 AM #4 Do your cats join you in the bathroom? I closed the door after the ugh come in and round them up one at a time to dose them.
	Reply With Quote